BeBe Winans: RNC Performance Was About Bipartisanship

"People need to know before I’m associated with any party, I am an American and that’s what I want to drive home at the RNC.” – BeBe Winans, Gospel/R&B singer

BeBe Winans knew some African-Americans would have a problem with the fact that he sang for Mitt Romney and his party at the RNC, but he doesn’t care.

In his interview with reporter Wendy L. Wilson, who is covering both conventions for Essence.com, he says people have a tendency to forget that politicians are people too.

“It’s so easy to sit back in your comfort zone and judge people and say you’re this and you’re that. So to come here and to be a part of the Convention, I feel like I am showing bipartisanship and taking a stand as an American. I applaud anyone who wants to take on the load that comes with being President of the United States. You really have to love your country to place yourself in that position.”

Winans, who will turn 50 this month, says the thought of how African-Americans might react crossed his mind, but added that at this point in his life, he quickly dismissed those thoughts.

“I am at a point in my life where I know who I am, and I know what I’m all about. I have never been the type of person who has ever worried about what people think,” states Winans; who had yet to meet Romney or Ryan, but said he was looking forward to meeting them at the convention.